Let's Talk OCD: Rose Cartwright's Movement towards Pure O Acceptance

Until recently, there were very few existing news articles about Pure O that shed light on the disorder and made a positive impact. When The Guardian published Rose Cartright's Pure OCD: A Rude Awakening in 2013, it started a movement toward mainstream acceptance and understanding.

In the article, Cartwright shared a firsthand account of the time when she was 15 years old and imagined a naked child. She went on to reveal the many other common types of repetitive thoughts that plagued her and the treatments she attempted over time. Readers could experience a glimpse inside the world of someone who led a normal life yet battled Pure O. For those who experienced intrusive thoughts, the article may have helped them find comfort in knowing that they weren’t alone. And for others, it may have served as an educational tool.

Most importantly, Cartwright may have given some readers a voice, allowing them to find the courage to communicate their thoughts to loved ones or seek professional help. This article became a valuable resource — and even a source of relief. Unlike the many academia articles that compiled scary thoughts and fears into bulleted lists and difficult language, Cartwright used humor, sarcasm and personal anecdotes in an effort to humanize her experience. For many, this was an important factor that led to the success of her powerful story.

Cartwright put a real face to a real mental illness. It further offered a sense of community that has since empowered other people to come forward with their stories.